If you've invested in SEO, you've probably come across the term "Sitecore canonical tags." These tags are essential in guiding Google to rank the right pages on your website.
However, if you don't implement canonical tags properly or worse, neglect them, you might end up with Google indexing duplicate pages on your website. This can lead to a problem called "index bloat," where Google indexes pages you don't want to be indexed, making it harder for customers to find the page they need.
To avoid this problem, it's crucial to implement canonical tags correctly, which is considered a best practice in Sitecore implementation and website content management.
But what exactly are canonical tags? In simple terms, they are HTML tags that inform search engines which version of a page is the original or preferred version.
Unveil the “Site Canonical Tags”
Actually, canonical tags are not inclusive of Sitecore.
The code for individual pages on your website contains a canonical tag, which serves a single purpose: to inform search engines which URL represents the "master" version of the page. This is critical for improving your website's search engine visibility by telling search engines which page to display in the search results.
Canonical tags are necessary because search engines view URLs differently than humans. Each URL on your website is perceived by search engines as distinct, even if they represent the same page to humans. For instance, while humans may consider both www.example.com/home and example.com as the same page, Google would view these as distinct URLs.
Without a canonical tag, Google may index both pages as separate search results, leading to a problem known as "duplicate content." This issue becomes more apparent when you consider the entire universe of your website, particularly if you have a large website with many pages.
By implementing canonical tags, you can help prevent duplicate content issues and ensure that search engines index the correct pages. This can improve your website's search engine rankings, making it easier for customers to find your website and ultimately increasing your website traffic.
The risk of ignoring canonical tags
Picture this: you're selling a snazzy dress shirt in different colors and sizes. Without canonical tags, Google gets confused. It's like, "Hey, is this red shirt the same as this medium red shirt?" Next thing you know, Google's showing multiple pages for the same product. It's like having identical twins at a party - everyone's confused about who's who.
Now, domain mapping. Sitecore lets you be a real estate mogul with multiple domains pointing to one site. We're not just talking completely different domains, but also those pesky www and non-www versions. Without canonical tags, it's like having multiple doors to the same room - Google doesn't know which one's the main entrance.
Then there's Sitecore's URL structure. It's great for organizing, sure, but it can lead to URLs longer than a CVS receipt. And if you create an alias? Google thinks it's a whole new page. It's like having a nickname - your friends know it's you, but strangers are clueless. Canonical tags are your nametag in this scenario.
Lastly, we've got the case of the mixed-case URLs. Sitecore doesn't care if you type in ALL CAPS or lowercase, but search engines? They're sticklers for detail. It's like twins again, but this time one's wearing a hat. To us, they're the same person, but Google sees two different people. Canonical tags tell Google, "Hey, it's the same person, just with different fashion choices.
How to implement Canonical tag on Sitecore
Let's break down how to nail those canonical tags in Sitecore, shall we? It's not rocket science, but there are a few tricks to get it right.
- First things first, pick your favorite URL. That's your canonical URL, the cream of the crop. Now, make sure all those copycat pages point to this golden child with a rel="canonical" link.
- Here's a weird one - slap a canonical tag on the canonical page itself. I know, it sounds like wearing a nametag with your own name on it to your family reunion. But Google actually digs this, especially for Sitecore sites. It's like telling Google, "Yes, this really is the page you're looking for."
- Don't get lazy with your URLs. Include the whole shebang - https://www. and all. Skipping the https://www. is like writing your address without the street name. Not cool.
- Got a multilingual Sitecore site? Make sure your canonical URLs speak the right language. It's like making sure you're using the right translation at a UN meeting.
- If you've got separate mobile pages (like m.example.com), use the link rel="alternate" tag. It's like telling Google, "Hey, this is the same content, just in a travel-size bottle."
- For those product pages with a million parameters? Tell Google Search Console to chill and ignore them. It's like telling your nosy neighbor to mind their own business.
- Running multiple domains with similar content? Use canonical tags to point out the boss. It's like having twins and putting a "I'm the older one" t-shirt on one of them.
- Careful with those Sitecore aliases. For marketing campaigns, create vanity URLs as aliases, then set them up as redirects. If you're using aliases for different page names, don't forget that canonical tag. It's like having a stage name but making sure everyone knows your real identity.
Remember, getting these canonical tags right is like giving Google a roadmap to your site. Do it right, and Google will be navigating your site like a pro. Mess it up, and Google might end up lost in the woods. Any questions about these best practices?
Your Sitecore site and canonical tags
It's important to use canonical tags (one of SEO benefits). However, they're not always easy to use.
The QEdge team is here to help. We understand canonical tags inside and out, and even better, we know how to implement them in Sitecore so that they help, not hinder your SEO efforts. You can rely on our team to implement your canonical tags correctly. In the Content Editor, you can also enter freeform canonical URLs.
